Paul Steely

For many years, Paul Steely had been a business person and entrepreneur in southeastern Kentucky. During that time, he served as Chairman of the Williamsburg-Whitley County Airport Board where he was instrumental in the development of the new Williamsburg-Whitley County Airport.

As Chairman, Paul achieved the placement of the Williamsburg-Whitley County Airport on the NPIAS, which opened the door for federal funding. From that point until its opening, Paul was involved in the land acquisition, funding, planning, design and construction of the new airport. After completion of the airfield in 2004, he was invited to become the first Commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Aviation.

As Commissioner, he helped to elevate the former Division of Aeronautics to the present Department of Aviation within the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. One of his early goals was to move the Department of Aviation to the Frankfort Capital City Airport. This move was completed in 2007. During his tenure, he was able to secure more funding for Aviation from the Kentucky General Assembly. With these additional resources, more Runways and Taxiways were improved and extended. Also, during this time, ten New Terminal Buildings were constructed at Airports around the state.

Paul brings to the GMC Team a unique perspective on the Kentucky Aviation System and a proven ability to examine airports’ needs and formulate avenues where their goals can be achieved. Through his tenure as Commissioner, he has worked with every airport board and authority in Kentucky and his knowledge of the State and Federal funding system has been a benefit to every airport in the system. At GMC, this knowledge and experience has been an invaluable asset to our clients and project managers alike.